The Architect of Timeless Elegance

But it is precisely in his spirit that together, we employees and the family members who have always worked alongside Mr. Armani, are committed to protecting what he built and to carrying on his company in his memory, with respect, responsibility, and love.” Over the course of his monumental 50-plus-year career, King Giorgio, as he became known within the fashion industry, was synonymous with many things: his perennial tan, crystal blue eyes, and white hair offset by his studied uniform of navy crewneck, navy pants, and white sneakers; his soft and glamorously cut gray and beige tailoring that defined yuppie, power broker living the ’80s and ’90s; his prescient cultivation of the Hollywood-fashion symbiosis, beginning with the outfitting of Richard Gere for American Gigolo in 1980; and his relentless work ethic and dedication to his business.

After launching his company in 1975 at the age of 41, Armani built an empire, achieving a level of fame and success—including a personal fortune of around $12 billion, according to Forbes—to which few designers—Ralph Lauren aside—have ever come close. The name Giorgio Armani transcended the man to become a cultural shorthand for suave sophistication and success.

September 5, 2025 | 3:36 am